Where to visit for one night

Question

We’re leaving a conference in Santa Fe July 24 and have reservations in Ouray starting the 25th. So we have an extra day. We are 2 seniors, so not big hikers. Any ideas of somewhere to visit for a day on the way to or maybe nearby Ouray?

Answer

Since you have a day to travel from Santa Fe to Ouray and are looking for easy, senior-friendly stops without much hiking, there are several scenic and charming options along the way. The route from Santa Fe to Ouray offers both mountain vistas and interesting towns that can be explored with minimal walking.

Here are some good options for a one-night stop or short visits along the way:

Durango, CO: About 4–5 hours from Santa Fe, Durango is a lovely historic town with a charming downtown. You can stroll the streets, enjoy lunch, and even take a short ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad if you want a scenic experience without hiking. This could be an overnight stop or a half-day visit before continuing to Ouray.
Pagosa Springs: A smaller town famous for its natural hot springs. You could stop for a relaxing soak at the springs, which is a great way to break up the drive. Minimal walking is required, making it very senior-friendly.
Cortez, CO: A convenient town if you want to explore the Four Corners area. It’s near the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, so a scenic drive through parts of the park could be possible without strenuous hiking.
Silverton, CO: If you don’t mind a slight detour, Silverton is a historic mining town with beautifully preserved architecture and a compact downtown area. You can enjoy the views and maybe a short scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway before reaching Ouray.

Tips for planning:

Since you prefer easy walking, focus on scenic drives and short stops rather than trails. The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) between Silverton and Ouray offers spectacular views and pull-offs for photos without strenuous activity.
Consider staying in Durango or Pagosa Springs for the night to break up the drive and enjoy local dining options. Both towns have comfortable accommodations and are easy to navigate.
Leave plenty of time for the drive, as the mountain roads can be slower than expected, and you’ll want time to enjoy scenic pull-offs safely.

In summary, for a relaxed and scenic day en route to Ouray, Durango or Pagosa Springs are excellent choices for a one-night stop. Alternatively, Silverton or a scenic detour in Cortez can make the drive more interesting without adding physical strain.

Where to visit for one night

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